The EU is a unique economic and political partnership between 28 European countries that together cover much of the continent. The EU competence goes from economic policies, agriculture, trade and environment.

The main institutions of the EU are the European Council, Council of the European Union, the European Commission, The European Parliament, Court of Justice of the European Union, Court of Auditors and the European Central Bank.

One of the most important consultative institutions is the European Economic and Social Committee. Another important institution is the European Investment Bank which supports projects in the EU countries, and invests in future member and partner countries.

The European Union is regulated by the Treaty of Lisbon which entered into force on 1 December 2009. It provides the EU with modern institutions and optimised working methods to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. In a rapidly changing world, Europeans look to the EU to address issues such as globalisation, climatic and demographic changes, security and energy. The Treaty of Lisbon reinforces democracy in the EU and its capacity to promote the interests of its citizens on a day-to-day basis.